SHE WAS JUST THE MAID NO ONE NOTICED—UNTIL SHE TOOK THE SLAP MEANT FOR A LITTLE GIRL, AND THE MOST FEARED MAN IN THE HOUSE SAW EVERYTHING

announced a new program for foster youth and abused children. Alejandro funded it with $25 million. Elena helped design it. Child advocates ran it. Mariana was invited to join the advisory board.

At first, she refused.

“I clean up spilled milk,” she told Alejandro. “I don’t sit on boards.”

He gave a faint smile. “You stood between a violent woman and continue reading …